Celebrating Female Excellence in Disc Golf: The Chick Flick Story

The Chick Flick Women's Disc Golf Celebration is a beacon of excellence in the world of disc golf. Held annually around the first weekend in August, this event has been making waves since its inception eight years ago. With over 139 participants from across the country, the Chick Flick has cemented its position as one of the most successful women-only disc golf events globally.

One of the key factors behind the Chick Flick's success lies in its unique blend of education and community building. The event is designed to cater specifically to female players, with a focus on creating an inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation from all levels of experience. To achieve this, the planning committee consists of six active disc golfing women who work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of the tournament meets the needs of its participants.

The weekend's activities are meticulously planned to provide something for everyone. Saturday morning saw 25 local men and women lead 13 different clinics, covering essential topics such as disc golf etiquette, advanced putting, and rollers. The clinics were a resounding success, with participants engaging in lively discussions and benefiting from the expertise of seasoned players.

Following lunch, the tournament crew organized a casual 18-hole round on two of Horning's Courses. This relaxed format allowed new players to learn from experienced veterans, reinforcing PDGA rules while fostering camaraderie among participants. Despite the scorching temperatures, the event remained energized throughout, with Mr. Chick Flick (Steve McMahan) keeping the water coolers replenished for all players and caddies.

As the sun dipped behind the canyon, the atmosphere shifted towards a more light-hearted game. The Kan-Jam tournament hosted by Oregon Disc and Wildlife drew 32 teams, each vying for prizes in a single-elimination format on Hole 1's fairway of the Canyon Course. The event was accompanied by a lively festival atmosphere at Tournament Central, complete with Hawaiian shaved ice, massage chairs, disc vendors, and Cherry Bomm's beer garden.

Sunday saw the competition heat up as women from all divisions took to the courses. Sally West emerged victorious in the Open Women's division, while Shasta Conn dominated the Advanced Women's division with two 900+ rated rounds. Other notable winners included Eileen Graham (Advanced Senior Grandmasters Women) and Mojo McGauhey (Intermediate Women).

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the Chick Flick is its emphasis on family participation. Sisters Dawn Hotchkin and Wendy Robles have played in the last four events with their mother, while Audrey Webb has brought her daughters Kiersten and Ashley for the past two years. The involvement of generations not only strengthens community bonds but also helps to develop a love for disc golf among younger players.

The Chick Flick's success can be attributed to its unique approach to tournament organization. By being run by women for women, the event captures the pulse of what female players desire in a competition. The planning committee consistently seeks input from various divisions and experience levels, fostering relationships with other groups while innovating new ideas. One trend gaining momentum is inter-sponsorship between women's disc golf tournaments, which has led to partnerships such as the Rocky Mountain Women's Disc Golf Championship and Northern California's Daisy Chains Women's Disc Golf Tournament.

The Women of Disc Golf or Die! Club (Women of DGOD) also plays a significant role in the Chick Flick's success. Their Thursday Women's League continuously breaks attendance records for weekly leagues, while providing valuable resources and support to individual events.

In conclusion, the Chick Flick Women's Disc Golf Celebration is an unparalleled experience that embodies the spirit of female excellence in disc golf. With its unwavering commitment to community building, education, and friendly competition, it has become a benchmark for women-only tournaments worldwide. As the event continues to grow, it serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in creating a thriving and inclusive community within the world of disc golf.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

Story by Carie Coleman; Photo of Lucy and Olivia Burks with TD Cindy McMahan by Marcus Burks.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/incredibly-successful-chick-flick-womens-disc-golf-celebration